Number of guests

Pira Lodge

The fishing at Pira Lodge is in the Iberá Marshlands, one of the most fascinating wetlands in the world. 3,500,000 acres of unexplored and uninhabited marshland in the northeastern corner of Argentina is the setting for some of the most exciting and unique fishing anywhere. The marsh is a vast system of non-polluted crystal-clear creeks, rivers, shallows, and lakes roughly 2.5 times bigger than the Florida Everglades. The marsh is home to more than 350 species of birds, 85 mammals and almost 70 reptiles, including major populations of Marsh Deer and South American Cayman.
Fishing is done out of state-of-the-art Hell’s Bay flats skiffs outfitted with VHF radios. Dorado are predatory and eat traditional saltwater streamers and deceivers in black, purple chartreuse and white. Rods 8 or 9 wt, 9 feet in length are recommended, as well as floating and sinking tip lines. Fishing times vary depending on month and weather. A typical spring fishing day will start in the morning from 8:00 to 12:30, lunch at the lodge, and then afternoon fishing from 3:30 to 7:30.

Arrivals and Departures

The lodge is flexible on length of stay and arrival and departure days of the week.

Accomodations

The 5 air-conditioned rooms, each with 2 double beds and a private bath.

Non Anglers / Activities

This is reccommended for anglers only unless you are an avid birder. There is not a non-fishing activity program.

Airport / Logistics

All anglers must fly into Buenos Aires. It is up to the anglers and the timing of the transfer option whether to overnight in BA or proceed to the lodge. There are 3 options for getting to Pira:
1 – Take a charter flight from BA to Mercedes airport or the lodges own strip, weather permitting. You will be picked up and driven to the lodge, about 1 hour and 15 minutes. This charter is not included in the cost, but the transfer is.
2 – Take a scheduled flight to Resistencia. Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to the lodge. The drive is about 4 hours and this transfer is not included in the cost.
3 – Take an overnight bus to Resistencia. This is comfortable luxury coach. You will be meet and transferred to the lodge.

Climate

The climate is sub-tropical, warm to hot, with some humidity. The lodge does not fish in the hotest part of the day as the better fishing is early and late.

Included

Transfers from Mercedes, all meals, license, all beer, wine, liquor and sodas, daily guided fishing with 2 anglers to a boat and guide.

Not Included

The flight or bus from Buenos Aires, transfer from the Resistencia airport, flies and phone calls

Currency/Credit Cards

US dollars or Argentine Pesos are fine at the lodge. The lodge does take credit cards.

Gratuities

Gratuities are typically 10 to 15% of the cost of the lodge package.

Medical Facilities

The nearest medical facility is in Resistencia

Documentation

US travelers need a passport but not a visa.

Beverages

All beverages including alcohol, water or soft drink are included. If there is a certain kind of spirit you like to drink, feel free to bring it.

Laundry

Laundry service is limited but available.

Phone, Internet, Power

Phone: paid phone

Internet: free internet

Power: 220 volts

Pira is designed to provide its guests not only with a remarkable fishing experience, but also with maximum comfort. The lodge has only five bedrooms, each one of them fully?air-conditioned, with two double beds and a large bathroom, which provides a peaceful space to unwind in a warm bath. ?The rooms’ French windows open out to the shaded veranda with easy access to the 20-meter pool and a beautiful view of the surrounding wilderness. In addition to the comfort of a spacious sitting room, with unique furniture crafted by local artisans, anglers will appreciate the convenience of a fly-tying table, and an on-site fly shop, fully equipped with flies, rods, reels and clothing. Gourmet dining with Argentina’s famed beef and fine wines, traditional "asados" (BBQ´s), delicious regional and international cuisine, desserts and a bar fully stocked with local spirits contribute to creating the setting for perfect moments at the end of a perfect day.

For many years, one of Latin America’s most exciting game fish was kept a secret in its heartland. In the last few years, the golden dorado, or "river tiger" as it is affectionately called in Argentina, due to its impressive fighting spirit and jumping characteristics, has rocketed to the top of the hot fish list. The freshwater Dorado belongs to the Salmon family. It is a hard fighting and acrobatic fish, well known for strong runs and relentless jumps. Throughout much of its range, the Dorado is caught in colored or murky waters and generally with heavy spinning tackle.?The establishment of Pirá lodge in the Iberá marshland has generated a new alternative, allowing for clear water fishing on light spinning tackle and on fly rods, with plenty of opportunities for sight casting. Seven and eight-weight nine-foot rods are recommended, as well as floating and sinking heads. Traditional saltwater streamers and deceivers in black, purple chartreuse and white complete the required gear.

Fishing schedule:
Fishing times vary depending on the month and weather. A typical spring fishing day will go in the morning from 8:00 to 12:30, then break for lunch at the lodge, and fish again from 3:30 to 7:30. Transport is provided from the lodge’s private dock to the fisheries in Hell’s Bay flat skiffs, fitted with VHF radios. Other activities available are bird watching, horseback riding and snorkeling. Pirá is a strictly CATCH AND RELEASE fishery.

The fishing at Pira Lodge is done on the Iberá Marshlands, one of the most fascinating wetlands in the world. 3,500,000 (that´s three million five hundred thousand) acres of unexplored and uninhabited marshland in the northeastern corner of Argentina will be the setting for some of the most exciting fishing you will ever do. The marsh is a vast system of unpolluted crystal-clear creeks, rivers, shallows, and lakes that is roughly 2.5 times bigger than the Florida Everglades. The swamps are the home to more than 350 species of birds, 85 mammals and almost 70 reptiles, including major populations of Marsh Deer and South American Caiman.